Ashgabat, August 17, 2026 — The Europe Today: Turkmenistan is set to present a comprehensive package of international initiatives at the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirming its commitment to peace, international security, sustainable development and constructive multilateral cooperation.
As a responsible member of the international community, Turkmenistan will use the UN General Assembly as an important platform to advance proposals aimed at addressing pressing global challenges and strengthening international cooperation. The country’s foreign policy remains centered on its internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality, preventive diplomacy, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations is based on shared objectives of maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development and strengthening mechanisms of preventive diplomacy. The country has previously initiated a number of UN General Assembly resolutions, including those concerning peace and trust, dialogue and the role of neutrality in international peace and sustainable development.
At the 81st session, Turkmenistan plans to promote intergovernmental consultations on developing a Strategy for Universal Peace, based on the principles of peace, security and preventive diplomacy. It will also propose declaring 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy and establishing a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States under the UN framework.
Further initiatives will focus on strengthening the institutional foundations of peace and neutrality. In this regard, consultations are expected on establishing an Academic Center for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence will also feature prominently on Turkmenistan’s international agenda. The country intends to initiate the development, under UN auspices, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. Ashgabat is also expected to host an international expert dialogue on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Turkmenistan will further seek to strengthen the role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, proposing a successive draft resolution dedicated to the centre’s contribution to regional peace and stability.
Sustainable development and international transport cooperation will constitute another major area of Turkmenistan’s initiatives. Following the adoption of the UN resolution on the Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035, Turkmenistan will continue efforts to develop a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. The country will also promote implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration.
In addition, Turkmenistan plans to propose the establishment of an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation under UN auspices. It will also advocate the creation of a transregional transport corridor connecting South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea, with the aim of expanding trade links and strengthening economic cooperation among the regions.
Climate change, environmental protection and energy security will remain key components of Turkmenistan’s international agenda. The country is expected to propose the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue as a multilateral platform for advancing international cooperation on climate-related challenges.
Turkmenistan will also promote measures to strengthen the climate resilience of regions affected by drought and water scarcity. Consultations are planned in preparation for a high-level forum on stable energy for all, aimed at advancing reliable and sustainable energy connectivity.
Humanitarian cooperation, including the empowerment of women and youth, will also receive particular attention. Turkmenistan intends to continue developing the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and strengthening cooperation with relevant UN bodies under the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The country will likewise promote greater youth participation in international peacebuilding and regional initiatives through the Central Asian Youth Dialogue and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
International law represents another important priority. Turkmenistan plans to advance its proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, emphasizing the importance of the UN Charter and international legal norms in contemporary international relations. Preparations are also envisaged for an international forum addressing the links between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan will continue its work as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2026–2028 term and participate in other UN bodies, commissions and structures. Preparations are also underway for the country’s potential candidacy for election to the UN Security Council for the 2031–2032 term, alongside its nominations to other elected UN bodies.
The broad range of initiatives demonstrates Turkmenistan’s stated intention to play an active and constructive role in addressing global challenges through multilateral cooperation. The country maintains that its proposals are guided by the principles of permanent neutrality, peaceful dialogue, mutual trust, equality and respect for international law.
Through its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan aims to contribute to strengthening international peace and security, advancing preventive diplomacy, expanding sustainable cooperation and promoting common interests for the benefit of present and future generations.
